Iquiqueite
Iquiqueite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the chromate class, with the chemical formula K₃Na₄Mg(CrO₄)B₂₄O₃₉(OH)·12H₂O.
It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system (space group P31c).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 1.5–2; specific gravity 2.05; Yellow streak; Vitreous luster; optically uniaxial.
IMA symbol Iqu, IMA status: approved, named in 1984.
A widespread but very minor constituent of nitrate deposits in saline cemented alluvium and fractured bedrock.
It is found associated with Nitratine, halite, niter, darapskite, blödite, glauberite, dietzeite, brüggenite, lopezite, ulexite, gypsum (Tarapacá Province, Chile); nitratine, halite.
The name refers to Iquique, a major historic port for nitrate exports from Tarapacá, Chile.
Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet.
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